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Collection

Tate holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art.

British art is represented by artists chosen for their contribution to its history and development, rather than their nationality alone. The collection has recently expanded its holdings of modern and contemporary artworks from Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and South Asia.

View drawings, prints and more from Tate's collection not currently on display in the galleries

Viewing items in the collection not on display

Please visit Art & Artists to find out if a work is on loan or in storage. Works on loan can be visited at the host institution. Visits to view works in storage may be possible. Please email Tate Store for further details.

Growing the collection

Explore major gifts and bequests to the Tate collection, from ARTISTS ROOMS to the Turner Bequest

ACQUISITIONS

Tate’s art collection embraces all media, from painting, sculpture, drawing and prints to photography, film, video, installations and performance to archive material including letters, sketchbooks and manuscripts. Tate is committed to expanding the geographical remit of its collection. Tate does not allocate more of its funds to either historic or contemporary works, as it needs flexibility in order to react to the market and what is available. Potential acquisitions of contemporary art are considered by artists who have already made a significant contribution and have achieved national or international recognition.

Please note, due to the large volume of proposals received, Tate will only be able to respond to those proposals which are viewed as priorities. We only accept proposals by email. Tate is unable to accept any proposals by post, including unsolicited art works. These will be destroyed.